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A Farm Grows In Brooklyn

In recent years, summer in New York City has begun to represent more than sweltering subway platforms and corporate softball leagues. Mister Softee’s favorite season also brings city dwellers the opportunity to purchase local produce and other goods at numerous weekly neighborhood farmers’ markets. Thanks to the work of Added Value, a Red Hook based nonprofit organization, two markets stand out above the rest for their commitment to sustainable agriculture and community development. Beginning on July 8th, the farmers’ markets at the Red Hook Seniors Center and the Red Hook Community Farm will once again feature produce from Added Value’s 2.75 acre farm in Red Hook. Through its Urban Agriculture program, Added Value transformed a dilapidated playground into a flourishing farm in an effort to promote sustainable development and a just food system in South Brooklyn. The farm, which is run predominantly by community volunteers, has become an invaluable resource in a community that has often gone without a full service grocery store. In addition to supplying the two farmers’ markets with produce, the Red Hook Community Farm also sells to local restaurants and donates to those in need. The farm also provides a rare educational opportunity for area schools, meaningful work for area residents, and improves the health of the Red Hook community.